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SEEKING SINAI
A rabbi discovers an ancient artifact that is inscribed with a story written by Herodotus, the greatest of Greek historians, renowned as the Father of History. This historical tale has been unread for three millennia and so shakes the rabbi's faith that he kills to keep the object and the tale it tells to himself. So begins a quest to find the real Mount Sinai and a treasure buried within the Mountain of God.
The treasure hunt engages the skills of a charming, beautiful but conniving Los Angeles realtor; her lover, an LAPD detective; a young and adventurous Silicon Valley billionaire; and a Harvard Egyptologist. SEEKING SINAI tests the limits of more than one man’s faith and becomes entangled in Middle East turmoil and political intrigue. Uncovering Sinai’s treasures also a presents a conundrum. Finding them would be the greatest archeological discovery of all time; revealing them to the world could jeopardize the moral foundation of the world’s greatest religions.
Author Barry Pollack weaves an adventure story that takes you from ancient Egypt to California to the modern Middle East and back again. It’s a journey that weaves Jewish philosophy with the politics of oil and water and the meaning and value of faith.
The treasure hunt engages the skills of a charming, beautiful but conniving Los Angeles realtor; her lover, an LAPD detective; a young and adventurous Silicon Valley billionaire; and a Harvard Egyptologist. SEEKING SINAI tests the limits of more than one man’s faith and becomes entangled in Middle East turmoil and political intrigue. Uncovering Sinai’s treasures also a presents a conundrum. Finding them would be the greatest archeological discovery of all time; revealing them to the world could jeopardize the moral foundation of the world’s greatest religions.
Author Barry Pollack weaves an adventure story that takes you from ancient Egypt to California to the modern Middle East and back again. It’s a journey that weaves Jewish philosophy with the politics of oil and water and the meaning and value of faith.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2012
36 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Barry Pollack
30 books2 followersBarry Pollack, who still works in the frontline trenches of medicine as an ER doctor, has a creative life that spans a variety of venues. After a master’s degree in film from Stanford and a fellowship at the American Film Institute, he began as a documentary filmmaker and went on to write and direct two feature films, several prime-time television dramas, and a series of newspaper columns.
His debut novel, THE PATRIOT GENE (alt title FORTY-EIGHT X), is the story of the Lemuria Project, a gathering of the world’s greatest scientists on a secret island to genetically engineer a new kind of American warrior -- lethal, near invincible, expendable. Pollack takes two fascinating romatically mismatched couples on an adventure around the world, challenging military and political roadblocks, until they uncover the secret of a chimera, a new species that might one day vie with the human race for dominance.
Also, look for his most recent feature films: IT'S NOT A DATE and, soon to be released, LIFE ON THE ROCKS.
For more information about Barry Pollack and THE PATRIOT GENE, visit www.barrypollack.net
His debut novel, THE PATRIOT GENE (alt title FORTY-EIGHT X), is the story of the Lemuria Project, a gathering of the world’s greatest scientists on a secret island to genetically engineer a new kind of American warrior -- lethal, near invincible, expendable. Pollack takes two fascinating romatically mismatched couples on an adventure around the world, challenging military and political roadblocks, until they uncover the secret of a chimera, a new species that might one day vie with the human race for dominance.
Also, look for his most recent feature films: IT'S NOT A DATE and, soon to be released, LIFE ON THE ROCKS.
For more information about Barry Pollack and THE PATRIOT GENE, visit www.barrypollack.net
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 9, 2025
An exploration of faith, identity, and the quest for meaning. It explores the idea of a group of people seeking out the true location of Mount Sinai, a place deeply significant in Judeo-Christian traditions as it is traditionally considered to be where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. The narrative weaves together archaeological intrigue, historical context, and modern-day adventures, seeking to uncover truths hidden for centuries. Through its characters and plot, the book examines themes of faith, historical truth, and the lengths to which individuals are willing to go to confirm their beliefs or uncover their heritage. A good read for someone interested in spiritual exploration, personal growth, and the search for meaning.
The narrative is interwoven with historical and philosophical insights, adding depth and context to Pollock’s experiential insights. It’s a thought-provoking and introspective journey that invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the nature of their spiritual paths.
The book is well-paced, with a balance of narrative and reflection that keeps readers engaged. However, some sections may feel dense for those not accustomed to philosophical or theological discussions. Despite this, the authenticity and heart of Pollock's journey shine through, making it a rewarding read for those willing to delve deep.
The narrative is interwoven with historical and philosophical insights, adding depth and context to Pollock’s experiential insights. It’s a thought-provoking and introspective journey that invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the nature of their spiritual paths.
The book is well-paced, with a balance of narrative and reflection that keeps readers engaged. However, some sections may feel dense for those not accustomed to philosophical or theological discussions. Despite this, the authenticity and heart of Pollock's journey shine through, making it a rewarding read for those willing to delve deep.
May 26, 2017
I have believed that the truth is hidden.
I think the writing about Moses will never be able to get the truth about him right. But I am going to be one of those who think they are as close to the truth about him with this book, I am not sure if Jesus Christ practiced the thing's, like, " love your enemy, turn the other cheek", how could a young man who could throw the money lenders from the temple, with great anger, let those who were of the same cast beat him and forgive them, nor raise a hand to them after? I am of the opinion that Jesus Christ was a rebel against the money grabbing priests and the Romans. I think it made the following of Jesus Christ easier to find n kill . Like this brilliant story I have just finished, so much has been written about the times of Rameses the Great, Rameses wrote about his life his wife Neffertary, his deeds,wars, children and court life and his people. His scribe went every where with him. He didn't mention anything about Moses and the only plague was the bubonic one. Rats brought, Read the book. Please. Patricia Welsh CSX.
I think the writing about Moses will never be able to get the truth about him right. But I am going to be one of those who think they are as close to the truth about him with this book, I am not sure if Jesus Christ practiced the thing's, like, " love your enemy, turn the other cheek", how could a young man who could throw the money lenders from the temple, with great anger, let those who were of the same cast beat him and forgive them, nor raise a hand to them after? I am of the opinion that Jesus Christ was a rebel against the money grabbing priests and the Romans. I think it made the following of Jesus Christ easier to find n kill . Like this brilliant story I have just finished, so much has been written about the times of Rameses the Great, Rameses wrote about his life his wife Neffertary, his deeds,wars, children and court life and his people. His scribe went every where with him. He didn't mention anything about Moses and the only plague was the bubonic one. Rats brought, Read the book. Please. Patricia Welsh CSX.
March 6, 2019
Sofer hiccoughs
Could a bronze inscribed message from Herodotus change the fate of Moses? Or does Faith in the Torah overcome doubt? These are the questions answered accurately in this stirring, archeological novel. There are many Hebraic translations here, too, so we are never left in the dark.
Could a bronze inscribed message from Herodotus change the fate of Moses? Or does Faith in the Torah overcome doubt? These are the questions answered accurately in this stirring, archeological novel. There are many Hebraic translations here, too, so we are never left in the dark.
September 22, 2018
Disappointing end
I was looking forward to getting answers to their the story hinted at. When I got to the end O was disappointed with the conclusion
I was looking forward to getting answers to their the story hinted at. When I got to the end O was disappointed with the conclusion
June 14, 2012
Do you every think "what-if"
If you like adventure, history, religion, mystery or titles such as the "Da Vinci Code" or "National Treasure" then this book is for you. I'm not a very religious person but I must say that this book was extremely hard to put down because of all the twist and turns. I personally love adventure stories and I have always found history to be fascinating so that alone made this story worth reading in my opinion. What's great is that although this is a fictional story, the author did his research and based his writing on actual facts. This story makes the reader think "what-if" and if you like that then I highly recommend picking this book up. Although this story is about religious history, it is set on the present day which I thought was great. The author did a fantastic job of incorporating current day issues, technologies, and basic everyday life scenarios into his writing while also finding the time to throw in little tidbits that just made me laugh. What I really appreciated was that you learn so much about history and religion as you follow a very diverse yet interesting group of main characters. To put it simply, what sold me on loving this book where the characters. I always love it when people with such different backgrounds, beliefs, and personalities find themselves in a common place for different reasons. It really makes you feel like we live in a small world and anything is possible. So with all that said I hope you take the time to read this book. I believe that anyone who picks this book up while fall in love with it. The author did such a stupendous job of incorporating so many different ideas that this book literally has something for everyone, even those romanticism heartthrobs. Hopefully this book will be made into a movie soon. I believe that it could as successful or even more successful than the "Da Vinci Code" or "National Treasure", what do you think?
If you like adventure, history, religion, mystery or titles such as the "Da Vinci Code" or "National Treasure" then this book is for you. I'm not a very religious person but I must say that this book was extremely hard to put down because of all the twist and turns. I personally love adventure stories and I have always found history to be fascinating so that alone made this story worth reading in my opinion. What's great is that although this is a fictional story, the author did his research and based his writing on actual facts. This story makes the reader think "what-if" and if you like that then I highly recommend picking this book up. Although this story is about religious history, it is set on the present day which I thought was great. The author did a fantastic job of incorporating current day issues, technologies, and basic everyday life scenarios into his writing while also finding the time to throw in little tidbits that just made me laugh. What I really appreciated was that you learn so much about history and religion as you follow a very diverse yet interesting group of main characters. To put it simply, what sold me on loving this book where the characters. I always love it when people with such different backgrounds, beliefs, and personalities find themselves in a common place for different reasons. It really makes you feel like we live in a small world and anything is possible. So with all that said I hope you take the time to read this book. I believe that anyone who picks this book up while fall in love with it. The author did such a stupendous job of incorporating so many different ideas that this book literally has something for everyone, even those romanticism heartthrobs. Hopefully this book will be made into a movie soon. I believe that it could as successful or even more successful than the "Da Vinci Code" or "National Treasure", what do you think?
July 8, 2012
Wow. I'm so disappointed in this book! Twists and turns? Try fruitless tangents. The author had too many ideas and forced them all into one novel. There were too many unimportant subplots, too many characters to feel detached from, none of the characters had flaws to humanize them, and the stories that unfolded always fell so perfectly into place that it felt like a child's game of pretend: far fetched solutions and victory without sacrifice. The Jewish undertones were what drew me to this book and this novel turned out to be a crash course in "Judaism for Dummies" sprinkled with an unrealistic portrayal of Middle Eastern relations. The ending was rushed with hasty knots tied. There was potential here - that's why I read on - but with each potential hit came a new divergence and no depth to any ideas presented.
I'll rate it one star for creativity and another for potential but this is one book that never took flight. What a letdown.
I'll rate it one star for creativity and another for potential but this is one book that never took flight. What a letdown.
August 27, 2015
Meandering through the desert
This book, much like the children of Israel, meanders through the desert rather than taking a direct route to the promised land. I would have loved to see what the writing of Herodotus actually said st some point. Alas, no.
This book, much like the children of Israel, meanders through the desert rather than taking a direct route to the promised land. I would have loved to see what the writing of Herodotus actually said st some point. Alas, no.
October 21, 2016
Great book!
I believe that this author has a masterful dominion of the subject. Albeit a fiction book, one can't help but wonder if there is a modicon of truth in what he writes... And that's the trademark of a very good writer.
I believe that this author has a masterful dominion of the subject. Albeit a fiction book, one can't help but wonder if there is a modicon of truth in what he writes... And that's the trademark of a very good writer.
July 17, 2015
Seriously, this book was a mess.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews